Whether you need to replace your old roof or you’re building a new home, it’s worth considering the different roofing materials that may available to choose from. Depending on your climate, architectural style and budget, certain options might be better than others. Here are seven of the top roofing materials to consider:
- Asphalt shingles: Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular roofing material in North America. They’re often the most cost-effective roofing material, as well. Plus, they’re easy to install, readily available and come in a number of different styles and colors. This roofing type will work with most architectural styles.
- Metal roofs: Metal roofs have come a long way from plain corrugated types. Today, they’re available in shingles as well as panels. Multiple colors and styles are available, so you can make them work with just about any type of home. Metal roofs are fire-resistant and can stand up to wind, hail, rain and snow. They last decades, and won’t rot or warp like other roofing materials.
- Slate roofs: Slate roofs are durable and long lasting. However, they’re also very heavy, and installation is labor intensive, making them more expensive than some other options. If you spring for a slate roof, you’ll enjoy the minimal maintenance required, decades of use and waterproof construction.
- Composite shingles: Composite shingles are poly-based and can mimic the look of tile, wood or slate. They’re a lot less expensive and labor intensive, too, so you’ll enjoy a beautiful look for much less than you’d pay to install other roofing materials. They’re fire resistant and can last up to 50 years.
- Wooden shingles: If you have a traditional or historic home, wood shingles or shakes might be the right material for you. Wood is prone to rot and water damage, so maintenance is more involved than with other roofing types. However, there’s nothing quite like the appearance of wooden shakes and shingles to bring out historical charm and a natural look.
- Clay tiles: Clay tiles are particularly beautiful on Mediterranean and Spanish architecture. However, they are heavy and relatively delicate, which makes them expensive to install and maintain. You should ask a structural engineer if your home can support their weight—otherwise, you may need to choose a lookalike option.
- Living roof: Finally, many people are enjoying living roofs. Although they might not be sustainable in cold Alberta winters, living roofs offer great insulation, minimal runoff and a long lifespan. You’ll also need some assistance getting the roof ready for this material—it needs to be sloped and waterproofed before you can start adding plants. However, this is a beautiful and interesting option for fair climates, especially if you enjoy attracting bees, butterflies and other wildlife.
When you need a new roof, Rhino Exteriors has you covered. We can help you choose between these popular roofing materials based on price, maintenance, installation costs and more. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services and get an estimate on your next roofing replacement project.